Watching my episode air that April of 1984, I had a swagger in my literary step. I had my first credit on network TV and a 24-share in the ratings, which meant approximately 25 million people were watching my episode. Today that would be American Idol territory, ratings-wise.

Sometimes I get asked by aspiring writers and producers how my career in film and TV got started. While there are undoubtedly as many paths to success as there are successful people, that old saying “it’s who you know that counts” is actually true in Hollywood. The word “nepotism” comes from the Greek word “nepos,” which means “nephew.” And in my case, that shoe fits… literally.

Sometimes I get asked by aspiring writers and producers how my career in film and TV got started. While there are undoubtedly as many paths to success as there are successful people, that old saying “it’s who you know that counts” is actually true in Hollywood. The word “nepotism” comes from the Greek word nepos, which means “nephew.” And in my case, that shoe fits… literally. So here’s Part 1 of how it all started for me.